Addy Osmani’s Post

"Measuring success" Traditionally, success has been measured by external factors like salary and job title. The higher the salary and the more impressive the title, the more successful you are perceived to be. But is this really the whole picture? This illustration by Liz Fosslien highlights a more well-rounded approach to measuring success. It emphasizes the importance of factors like mental and physical health, work-life balance, and enjoying what you do. After all, what good is a high-paying job if it comes at the cost of your health and happiness? True success is about achieving a balance between all of these factors. What are your thoughts on how we measure success? #motivation #productivity #mindset

"It's okay to not know all the answers" We've all been there: in a meeting, at a party, faced with a question that stumps us. The pressure to have a ready answer can be intense. But here's the thing: admitting "I don't know" isn't a weakness, it's a strength. Think about it. By acknowledging the limits of our knowledge, we open the door to genuine learning. It allows for collaboration, fosters a more honest exchange of ideas, and shows intellectual humility. Imagine the impact in a brainstorming session where everyone feels comfortable saying "I don't know," but eager to explore possibilities together. Next time you're faced with an unknown, embrace the opportunity to learn alongside others. Do some research, ask questions, and tap into the collective knowledge around you. You might be surprised at the insights you uncover and the connections you make. After all, the most powerful minds are rarely those who have all the answers, but those who are curious enough to keep asking them. #motivation #productivity #mindset

"It's better to admit you walked through the wrong door than spend your life in the wrong room" We all make mistakes. We all walk through the wrong door sometimes. But what matters most is that we don't spend our lives in the wrong room. It's easy to get stuck in a situation that's not right for us. We might be in a job that's unfulfilling, a relationship that's not working, or a city that doesn't suit our lifestyle. But we often tell ourselves that we're stuck, that there's no way out. That's simply not true. We always have the power to change our circumstances. We can walk through a different door. It takes courage to admit that we've made a mistake. It takes even more courage to take action and change our lives. But it's worth it. When we live in the right room, we feel happy, fulfilled, and alive. We are able to reach our full potential. So don't be afraid to walk through a different door. Don't be afraid to make a change. It's the best decision you'll ever make. #motivation #productivity #mindset

"Every day it gets a little easier. But you got to do it every day. That's the hard part. But it does get easier" We've all heard the motivational quote: "It gets easier." But let's be honest, sometimes it feels like things just keep getting tougher. Here's the thing the quote often misses: it does get easier, but only if you put in the work consistently. The sentiment struck a chord with me while rewatching BoJack Horseman (don't judge, it's full of hidden gems!). In the show, there's a scene where BoJack, a flawed but relatable character, talks about getting better. The line, "It gets easier. Every day it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day - that’s the hard part," perfectly captures the essence of progress. Building new habits, overcoming challenges, or simply feeling better takes daily dedication. It's not always easy, but the small, consistent steps add up. So, what will your "every day" action be today? (P.S. Check out the attached clip for the full BoJack quote!) #motivation #productivity #mindset

"Breathe and allow things to pass" We've all experienced the sting of a harsh comment or the frustration of a heated debate. However, as Warren Buffett wisely reminds us, true power lies not in reacting to every word, but in observing with logic and responding with restraint. Think of your mind as a serene lake. When you react emotionally to every ripple, the water becomes murky and turbulent. But when you practice restraint, the lake remains calm and clear, allowing you to see the depths below. Similarly, when we cultivate emotional restraint, we gain the ability to think clearly, make sound decisions, and maintain inner peace amidst the chaos. Restraint doesn't mean suppressing our emotions; it means choosing how we respond to them. When faced with negativity or provocation, take a deep breath and pause before reacting. Ask yourself, "Is this worth my energy? Will my response truly make a difference?" Often, the most powerful response is no response at all. Remember, your words have power, and choosing to remain silent is a form of strength. #motivation #productivity #leadership

Thank you! Leading Effective Engineering Teams is officially a #1 best seller! I just received the news that our new book is already officially a #1 best seller on Amazon across 5 different categories including Software Development, Business Leadership Skills, Software Project Management and others. I can't thank y'all enough for the positive reception and to everyone that's already pre-ordered. This new book draws from over a decade of engineering experience at Google and 20+ years in the industry covering secrets to engineering effectiveness, efficiency, and team success. You can order your copy here: https://a.co/d/0fue4V1z Shout-outs to Gergely Orosz, Maxi Ferreira, Kate Wardin, Francisco Trindade, Sriram Krishnan, Rita Fernando, David Michelson, Kristen Brown, Mary Treseler and of course Leena Sohoni for the team effort to get us here. Thanks everyone! #softwareengineering #programming

"You can do anything, but not everything today" Imagine your goals as a collection of bricks. Each brick represents a task, a habit, or a project that you want to accomplish. You have a limited number of bricks to work with each day, and it's up to you to decide how to use them. If you try to build multiple towers at once, you'll quickly run out of bricks. Your towers will be short and unstable. But if you focus on building one tower at a time, you can create something tall and strong. Prioritization is about making choices. It's about deciding which goals are most important to you right now and which ones can wait. It's about saying no to distractions and good opportunities so you can say yes to great ones. Remember, even the tallest tower starts with a single brick. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Don't get discouraged if you can't do everything today. Focus on doing something, and over time, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve. So what are you waiting for? Start building your tower today. Illustrated by Ash Lamb who is always worth a follow! #motivation #productivity #mindset

Boundaries aren't just for our relationships with others... they're also the guiding lines we draw within ourselves. These self-boundaries enable us to uphold our values, safeguard our energy, and sustain a balanced life. As Amanda (@amandasimplywell) points out, setting boundaries with yourself is just as important as setting boundaries with others. The list she provides includes things like: - Saying no when your plate is full - Setting realistic expectations around your productivity - Sticking to your budget - Prioritizing your mental health when needed While not every boundary mentioned above will necessarily align with your needs, establishing those that do is a beautiful way to show yourself respect and love.  #motivation #productivity #growth